How can we guard against the attitude shown in Jeremiah 44:16 today? The Heart of the Problem “ ‘As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you!’ ” (Jeremiah 44:16) The people of Judah flatly rejected God’s word. Their stance was not ignorance but deliberate refusal. Guarding against that same spirit today begins with spotting how easily it tries to settle into our own hearts. Recognize the Signs in Us • Selective hearing—embracing comforting verses while bypassing convicting ones (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • “But my circumstances are different” thinking—placing personal feelings above clear commands (Proverbs 14:12). • Spiritual procrastination—agreeing with truth in theory yet postponing obedience (Hebrews 3:15). • Becoming desensitized—frequent exposure to Scripture without response dulls the heart (James 1:23-24). Cultivate a Responsive Heart • Invite the Lord to search and soften you: “Search me, O God…lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). • Keep short accounts—confess promptly when the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9). • Remember God’s faithful character; trust fuels obedience (Lamentations 3:22-23). Stay Grounded in God’s Word • Daily intake: read, study, meditate—let the Word dwell richly (Colossians 3:16). • Scripture memorization arms the mind against doubt (Psalm 119:11). • Whole-Bible diet—history, prophecy, wisdom, gospel, letters—so no command feels isolated. Encourage Accountability • Walk with believers who tell the truth in love (Proverbs 27:17). • Invite counsel before decisions (Proverbs 11:14). • Share victories and struggles; hidden sin fuels hardness (Hebrews 10:24-25). Practice Obedient Faith Daily • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). • Act immediately on what you learn—small steps train the will. • Remember obedience is love expressed: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Celebrate the Blessings of Listening • Obedience positions us for God’s favor: “If you will diligently obey…the LORD your God…all these blessings will come upon you” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). • Joy follows a listening life: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). • Fruitfulness grows: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love…so that My joy may be in you” (John 15:10-11). Guarding against the Jeremiah 44:16 attitude is not a one-time resolve but a continual posture—ears open, heart soft, feet ready to move wherever the Lord’s voice leads. |
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